2005 Chevrolet Malibu LS review from North America
"2005 Chevy Malibu, good car if not for the electric steering"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
No serious failures mechanically or otherwise on this Malibu. Cruise control has failed to work for more than 4 months at a time since I have owned it.
General comments?
Ergonomically I have no complaints behind the wheel. Controls for everything are just where they belong.
One thing I should point out: Trying to eliminate blind-spots with side-view mirrors is well-nigh impossible in the 2004-2007 Malibu!
One weekend I lost an entire 6-wheel BOX TRUCK in my blind-spot, but was able to accelerate ahead of it to merge. The mirrors I feel are too far "back" from the front of the car. I feel like I have to turn my head too far to see them, taking my focus off the road ahead and my rear-view mirror.
The hands down best mirrors I ever had on a car were in my 96 Ford Contour. I saw everything seamlessly in there!
The steering. Ahh yes. Variable-assist electric power steering. The worst automotive invention of the last 10 years! The best description of the electric power steering on this Malibu is "mushy". The wheel doesn't feel nearly tight enough and it's sometimes hard to know if the wheel is centered. This form of power steering is replacing good old hydraulic big time in many Asian and European cars. Instead of trying to save fuel by re-inventing power steering, auto builders should look elsewhere to improve fuel economy.
Recommended reviews
| Great value for the money |
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| The performance of the car makes up for the rest of its faults |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 2005 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.5L V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 6 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 29000 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet 1996 Ford Contour |
| Date of Entry | 4th December, 2008 |